Pub Bitch: Chill out this Christmas
Chill out this Christmas
We know that licensees can get quite angry at times, but fear not, riled pourers of the foaming pint, for help is at hand. 'National Anger Management Week' kicks off this week, courtesy of the British Association of Anger Management (BAAM) — and yes, you read that right; there is an association dedicated to managing, and presumably assuaging, the nation's anger. Those thinking of flipping out over beer flow monitoring equipment or the smoking ban can instead download a free 'Keep Your Cool Over Yule' kit, which is apparently a "special updated version of the famous BAAM 'Keep Your Cool' kit", and is designed "to help people cope with the additional stresses and anger-triggers connected to the Christmas period". Licensees thinking of twatting stroppy customers on Xmas Eve take note…
Plaque of the Week
English Heritage's blue plaques are a familiar sight for London tourists, flagging up the haunts of great men and women from days gone by. Usual candidates are the likes of ex-Prime Ministers, architects, scientists, composers, surgeons, clergymen and other similarly worthy types. Strolling through Fitzrovia recently, we were pleased to see a licensee taking his rightful place among such elevated company. Good f***ing work Mr Jenkins, may your contribution to national life never be forgotten.
Copper-bottomed
While waiting for entries to the pub's 'Turnip Prize' (passim, ad nauseum, etc) the New Inn at Wedmore, Somerset, threw its annual Penny Chuffin' competition last week. This side-splitting contest requires participants to lodge three two-pence coins between the cheeks of their ar… backside, walk a four yard course and somehow deposit said currency into a pint tankard, doing this three times over. After what was described as "ferocious competition" five competitors squeezed into the final with a straight 'nine'. According to licensee Trevor Prideaux, in a tightly clenched climax Lesley Watts, winner of the 2009 title, hit three perfect nines to score 27 points. In a kind gesture all the finalists donated their collective £69-worth of winnings to Children In Need. Aaaah…
Was it something I said?
There was certainly a healthy turnout in Parliament last week for at least one part of the All-Party Save the Pub Group's (APSTP) latest get-together. Tory MP Nigel Adam's Private Member's Bill to stop nasty developers pulling down pubs without planning permission was the topic of the day and was warmly received by all those present. More power to Nigel's elbow, we say! However the gathered audience's enthusiasm surely couldn't - and true to form, didn't - last. When Nigel's bit finished, APSTP Group chairman - our old mate Greg Mulholland - said those who wished to leave could do so, there was much scraping of chairs and a mass exodus for the door, leaving just yours truly and a chappie from t'other lot in the room. Perhaps best stay schtum next time, eh Greg?
That what you call it these days?
We all know (most) pubs are a haven for those seeking somewhere to meet up and forget about the outside world. I was delighted to read of a pub which encourages those who some in the community may deem more… 'risque' to pop in for a pint. The Corner House, a Greene King establishment in Cambridge, apparently hosts meetings held by a group called Cambridge Munch, which welcomes those of an alternative persuasion to use its facilities. A spokeswoman for the group said it was great the pub provided a welcoming environment for people from the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities to meet up and have a chat. "We are a bit like a stamp-collecting group", she added. There's not a lot one can add to that…
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